Female Fertility Supplements & Tests

Female fertility describes the ability of a woman to become pregnant. The fertility of a woman is complex and relies on many factors to be working together in harmony, including the monthly cycle of hormones, a healthy reserve of eggs, the normal process of ovulation, and the ability of an egg to travel to the uterus for conception to occur. If a woman does not conceive despite frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or longer, then a diagnosis of infertility might be made. 

Female infertility can occur in a number of ways. It might be caused by a low egg reserve, a reduction in egg quality, or a lack of ovulation. Abnormal hormone levels can also make it harder to conceive, as can changes to the normal pattern of the menstrual cycle. A blocked fallopian tube can prevent the egg from travelling to the uterus, and structural problems within the uterus, such as fibroids, can prevent implantation from occurring after conception. Female fertility can also be affected by being underweight or overweight.

Reassuringly, as there are many causes for female infertility there are also many lifestyle and medical interventions that can be tried to increase the chances of conception occurring. 

Female infertility is equally as common as male infertility, and so it is important that factors in both the male and female partner are considered when trying to conceive.

If you are having regular periods, then a woman may assume that they are fertile. However, as women get older the reserve of eggs in the ovaries starts to decrease, and changing hormone levels can start to make it harder to conceive. Regardless of your age, if you have been having regular, unprotected intercourse for a few months or more, but have not yet conceived, then you may wish to check your fertility.

It is possible to check your fertility with female fertility tests that you can perform at home. With a simple urine test, female fertility tests detect levels of the female hormone Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). FSH forms a key part of a woman’s menstrual cycle, and if a very high level is detected by the test, it could indicate a lower reserve of eggs in the ovaries. 

Another home testing system that can help you to assess your fertility are ovulation tests. These simple urine tests detect the window of ovulation, helping you to accurately pinpoint when ovulation is likely to occur, or whether it is occurring at all. 

If fertility or ovulation tests suggest that your fertility may be on the low side, you should make an appointment with your doctor for further fertility screening.

If your home fertility test results are normal but you still do not conceive despite regular sexual intercourse, it is important that you still seek advice from your GP. Your doctor will be able to offer more detailed hormonal testing. 

Your partner may wish to perform at home sperm testing to give a clearer picture of your fertility as a couple, too. 

Whether a woman's fertility appears to be normal or reduced, there are plenty of simple steps a lady can take to give herself the best chance of conceiving. 

The first method of improving egg quality is to eat a nutritious, balanced diet. Try to get into the habit of eating plenty of lean protein, a wide variety of vegetables, and slow-release carbohydrates. Supplements are also available to make it even easier to ensure you are getting everything you need to support the process of egg development. 

Smoking can have a huge impact on your fertility. Quitting smoking could be one of the best decisions you make to boost your fertility. If your partner smokes, you may like to encourage them to quit smoking, or ask that they do not smoke in the house or around you. Men who stop smoking are likely to see improved sperm production, too.

It is also advisable to reduce your exposure to other toxins including plastic bottles, household cleaning products, air fresheners and dusty environments. 

Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol, and exercising regularly can also help to give your fertility a boost.

No, it is not safe for pregnant women to smoke marijuana. There are a wide range of research studies that support this view. We summarise the studies and relevant comments in the table below: